The Early Childhood/Elementary Education career pathway is aligned to the statewide career technical education standards and regulations, industry-based standards, and articulation opportunities with post-secondary institutions to ensure a rigorous three-year approved career and technical program. Students successfully completing the program will meet the requirements to complete the RI Department of Education Teacher Assistant certification. Students successfully completing Early Childhood/Elementary Education CTE program will also meet the requirements to become certified in the RI Early Learning and Development Standards. This course covers the core aspects associated with the care and development of young children with emphasis on the important knowledge and skills needed for the healthy development of infants and toddlers. Students will gain the information they need to communicate and work effectively with children. Opportunities for observation and interaction with pre-school and elementary education children will be included.

Third years students will continue to develop their skills and knowledge and apply their understanding through individual internship experiences at local elementary and pre-school settings. Students will develop strong skills in the creation of lesson plans and assessments for children. Students will prepare for the ParaPro Assessment to provide the opportunity to be eligible to become a teacher assistant.